Appreciation

By Joseph J. Mazzella

"The heavens declare the glory of God; And the
firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night
unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where
their voice is not heard." (Ps 19:1-2 NKJV)

Spring is
continuing to work her wonders in the mountains this year. The skies are
full of sunshine with only a few clouds floating on the wisps of the
winds. My flower box is full to overflowing with purple phlox. A patch
of bluebonnets sits proudly next to my front porch. A million dandelions
dot the fields. Thousands of bees and butterflies are doing their best
to help them flourish and grow. In the morning the birds sing their own
"Ode to Joy" while in the evening a blanket of stars keeps you warm in
the cool night air.

It seems too that this year I am appreciating
Spring’s beauty more than ever before. I am standing outside a bit
longer in the morning to admire the rising sun and am staying out a few
more minutes each night to gaze at the smiling moon. I am lying down on
the warm grass to smell the flowers and am taking the time to rescue the
few, stray moths that fly into my house. I am taking deeper breaths of
the fresh, Spring air and am saying some extra "Thank You’s" to God for
giving us such a blessed time of the year.

Perhaps this greater
appreciation comes from the long and difficult Winter we had this year
or perhaps as I am getting older and wiser I am finally beginning to see
the glory and majesty that was around me all the time. Either way I am
grateful and happy. There is nothing sadder than passing by a treasure
everyday and not seeing it.

This world is full of beauty, wonder,
and delight. It is full of countless blessings given to us by our loving
Father above. All we have to do is open our eyes to see them and open
our hearts to feel them. Don’t ignore these glorious gifts from God.
Don’t allow yourself to pass them by. Open the door of your soul and
welcome them in. Let them warm you, nourish you, and strengthen you. Let
them become one with you. Then go out and share their joys with
everyone.